Bionic Glove
The Bionic Glove was an electrical stimulator garment developed in the 1990s to improve hand function in people living with quadriplegia and stroke. The device sensed wrist flexion and extension and electrically stimulated muscles in the forearm, causing the paralyzed thumb and fingers first to spread out around an object and then to grasp the object. Clinical trials were published demonstrating function and efficacy (download pdfs below).
The Glove activated two sets of muscles:
- muscles which open the hand
- muscles which close the hand
Image shows Mr. Larry Seymour using the Bionic Glove to boost hand opening and closing. He wore the device in daily life for several years.
Rehabtronics ReGrasp
The device was modified and commercialized by Edmonton-based start-up, Rehabtronics, under the direction of CEO Andy Prochazka. Initially a wireless earpiece was used to trigger hand movements when the user clicked his/her teeth together. Andy modified the earpiece to respond to head movements. The result was the ReGrasp, which is available commercially (see movie below).
Related Files:
PROCHAZKA, A., GAUTHIER, M. WIELER, M. & KENWELL, Z. (1997) The Bionic Glove: an electrical stimulator garment that provides controlled grasp and hand opening in quadriplegia. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 78, 608- 614.
POPOVIC, D. et al. (1999) Clinical evaluation of the bionic glove. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 80, 299-304
PROCHAZKA, A. (2018). Motor Neuroprostheses. Comprehensive Physiology 9, 127-148.
Movies:
Mr. Larry Seymour doing lifting test, Bionic Glove OFF (avi, 1.6M)
Mr. Larry Seymour doing lifting test, Bionic Glove ON (avi 1.7M)